Life Events
Our churches exist to support our communities and individuals throughout the whole of their lives. However, there are some key events in life that are particularly significant and the churches celebrate these events with particular care and reverence. These include Christenings, Wediings and Funerals.
In addition, we celebrate Adult Baptism and Confirmation where individuals make particular commitments to the Christian way of life. Through these ceremonies individuals become full members of God's church.
We hope that in each of these events, the church will be able to support you in the most effective way and will augment your experience and appreciation of the occasion. Please do contact a member of the Clergy to discuss how we can help.
CHRISTENING
The birth of a baby and the initial development that takes place is one of the most inspiring experiences of human life. The Christian church since its inception has marked this event with special significance by consecrating the child to God's love and protection.
During the christening your child will be baptized. It's the first step of an amazing journey with God, parents, godparents, friends, family and the church. You don't have to have been christened yourself, and you don't have to have been a regular churchgoer.
For more information about Christenings click HERE.
ADULT BAPTISM
Whenever it happens, whether as a baby, child or adult, baptism is at the heart of an amazing journey of faith as a follower of Jesus Christ. You are never too old to take this step, and being baptized as an adult is a wonderful experience.
You may have been baptized at a christening when you were a child or in a different Christian tradition. There are always special ways to renew the promises that were made then in a fresh way as you discover more about what it means to live them out in your life.
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation is a special church service in which a person confirms the promises that were made when they were baptized. If you were baptized at a christening when you were a child, your parents and godparents made these promises on your behalf. As a young person or adult, you may be ready to affirm these promises for yourself and commit your life to following Jesus Christ. At a confirmation service, you make these promises for yourself. Your friends and family as well as the local Christian community will be there to promise to support and pray for you.
One of the Two Diocesan bishops will lay their hands on your head and ask God’s Holy Spirit to give you the strength and commitment to live God’s way for the rest of your life.
For more information about Confirmation click HERE.
MARRIAGES & BLESSINGS
Getting married is one of the most serious and joyful decisions we make in life. As well as being a big commitment, it has an impact on family, friends and the wider society. Christian marriage holds the view that this lifelong commitment takes place with the blessing of God and hence a religious service in Church is particularly appropriate. Because of the deep significance of marriage, it is beneficial for the couple to prepare carefully. Our pastoral staff can help guide you in this preparation.
For more information about marriages and blessings click HERE.
FUNERALS & MEMORIALS
The deatth of a family member or close friend is a painful and difficult experience for everyone. A Christian funeral or memorial service honours the person's life and character, commits them to God's ongoing love, and helps family and friends to grieve and gain strength. Our clergy can assit you in planning the service that you require whether it is in church, at a crematorium or in another location.
For more information about funerals and memorial services click HERE.